APMP Examination Preparation Workshop (inc exam)

Overview

The attainment of accreditations offered by professional bodies such as the Association for Project Management (APM) is increasingly seen as a recognised indicator of competence in project management. APM qualifications are aligned the International Project Management Association (IPMA) competency levels, and the APMP qualification is recognised as IPMA Level D.

This workshop provides delegates who have already acquired a solid understanding and practical experience of project management with a rapid route to the APMP examination (based on the APM Body of Knowledge, 5th Edition). It will enable delegates to:

• understand all elements of the APMP syllabus
• get to grips with the specific examination language
• learn strategies and tactics for approaching the examination. Extensive examination practice and feedback is included in the workshop

Prerequisites

• This course is suitable for anyone who has been involved in the management of projects. It is ideal for those who are already familiar with project management through hands-on experience and/or previous training.
• Delegates should have a sound understanding of project management and should be broadly familiar with the topics covered on the APMP syllabus. Ideally delegates should have attended the QA Project Management course or equivalent.
• Delegates will be provided with pre-course reading two weeks prior to attending the course by email. The success on the course will be enhanced by close attention to the pre-reading materials.  It is recommended that candidates spend 10 hours working through the pre-reading.
• If you have not received your pre-reading material within one week of the start of your course, please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273 or info@qa.com

You must bring signed photo ID with you on exam days (passport, driving licence, student card) as you will be asked to produce it by the invigilator prior to the exam. Failure to produce a valid form of photographic identification may result in a candidate not being able to sit the exams.

Delegates will learn how to

• understand the key concepts, techniques and processes in the APMP syllabus
• adopt the best approach to the APMP examination
• answer essay-type questions on the APMP syllabus

The course is intensive and therefore delegates are also advised to undertake some revision work in the evening to prepare for the APMP examination that can be taken at the end of the course. The additional work required during evenings will consist of consolidation reading and mock examination questions. The evening work is an integral part of the course and delegates should expect to spend up to 3 hours each evening on these activities.

Course Outline

The following are the subject areas open for review.  The actual material covered will be determined by the learning needs of the delegates attending the course.  It should not be expected that all areas will be covered in detail.

Business Case and Benefits Management
Why a business case; Typical contents; Cost benefit analysis; Appraisal methods; Payback; ROI; Discounting methods

Project Environment Context
Understanding; PESTLE analysis

Programme and Portfolio Management
Differences; Advantages and disadvantages

Project Life Cycle
Uses; Benefits; Project and Product lifecycle; Requirements Management

Organisational Structure and Roles
Stakeholder analysis; Key Roles; Setting expectations

Risk Management
Risk management planning; Risks and Issues; Identification and assessment techniques; Mitigation options; Documentation

Work Breakdown Structures
Product, work and organisational structures; Benefits

Configuration Management
Principles; Roles; Techniques; Information management

Communications Management
Communications planning; Rationale; Contents; Relationship with PMP

Change Control
Scope and impact analysis; Authorisation; Effecting changes; Documentation

Health, Safety and Environment
Roles and responsibilities; Project Management contribution; Health and Safety planning

Planning
Network analysis; Critical path; Float and free float; Gantt chart; Resource histogram; Resource smoothing and resource levelling

Quality Management
Quality management systems; Total quality management; Quality planning; Quality assurance; Quailty control; The Quality Plan

Earned Value Management
Understanding the terms; Use as a control mechanism; The various indices

Strategy/Project Management Plan
Purpose and Objectives; Typical content; Ownership; Place in the project; Updating

Belbin and Team Building
Review of Belbin roles; Tuckman model for team building; Other initiatives; Review of motivation models

Examination Guidelines
Examination structure; ‘list’, ‘state’, ‘describe’ ‘explain’ meanings; Question structure; Group and individual examination practice

Accreditations and Exams

Delegates sit the APMP examination at around 13:00 on the final day of the course. The examination consists of:

• 10 essay based questions to be selected from a total of 16. Each worth 50 marks
• 3 hours
• Closed-book
• Candidates require a minimum of 275 marks out of 500 (55%) to pass

By successfully passing the APMP examination candidates can choose to further develop their knowledge and understanding by attending the APMPQ Assessment Centre.